Vivint vs ADT

What happens when the two largest home security companies collide?

Last updated: August 6, 2018. We stacked up these two security giants dozens of ways for you to decide who the right company is for you and your home. Ultimately what you are deciding between is a: good vs rocky history, good vs luxury price and basic vs advanced. These are the two largest home security companies in North America with different sets of standards.

By the end of this comparison we want to know whose crime deterrent sign you will be putting out in your front yard... The orange circle or the blue octagon?

**Update to Vivint**They have now changed to a Leasing fee option for equipment as of Feb 13, 2017. This means there are no more 'set plans' and that users can choose to pay upfront for their security equipment (and avoid their long 5 year contracts for monitoring) or lease-to-own the cost of the equipment into the contract. With this update, it means anyone who qualifies (600+ credit score) can get setup with a 'no money down' home automation security system. This also means their promotion of $1500 Free equipment doesn't exist as customers have to pay for the equipment.

Security System Comparison:

Here is a look at what you use to control their alarm systems.

ADT's Pulse:

Vivint's smarthome control panel:

Monitoring Stations

ADT dots the nation with 5 corporate calling stations and dozens of monitoring stations. Each one of these buildings are built to withstand tornadoes, earthquakes and other natural disasters. If one of their primary monitoring locations were to go down, the calls going to that station automatically re-route to another one so you have true 24/7 monitoring service.

Vivint on the other hand has one primary monitoring station in Provo, UT. Other recent locations include Seattle, WA. Many saw Vivint's CEO Todd Pederson on the TV show 'Undercover Boss'. He talked about opening a new monitoring location in the show as well as improving other aspects of the company. Vivint may hire other phone centers to do after hours support and take calls for their customers but nowhere near the amount of national stations or backup structure that ADT does.

Alarm Reviews verdict

If you want a better all-around service, price and reputation, then choose ADT. Your initial term is going to be shorter (36 vs 50 months) and easier to move if the need arises. If you want the best of the best of the best and don't mind the higher prices with worse customer ratings then choose Vivint. Another reason to go with Vivint is if you have an existing ADT system and you want to upgrade.

Ultimately it is your choice, both are great companies and are industry leaders in the US. Let us know what you think below!

I feel like Vivint does a good job staying ahead of the curve and on top of technology. Compared to ADT though, they still scare me when it comes to the contract side of things and seemingly 'tricking' the user into 60 month agreement. Their cost of moving to a new location is also pricier.
Vivint does use cloud storage for their security camera footage (vs DVR like most other systems). Very easy to go back and locate time and footage of when something happens. I've already used this several times for when sketchballs are walking past my place and when an actual cop chase came to a halt in front of my home!
Vivint's new MMR is going to be much higher now that they are leasing the equipment and shortening the agreement length. Just call both and see who will give you the best setup! But avoid buying Vivint from a door to door rep or you will get an installer who's most likely new and only works 4 months of the year.

I have been a VIVINT customer for 12 plus years we recently moved and when I called in to inquire about upgrading my system with cameras etc first the Rep I spoke with was very unprofessional and rude after she quoted me some outrageous price to upgrade I asked her so what if I called ADT and got a quote from them would it be comparable her response to me was you do what u gotta do -I was appalled at her response and how abruptly rude she was so my contract is almost up and really don't think I will renew I'm thinking of going to ADT

What’s going to happen when one day you call into ADT and have and ADT rep give you a hard time? Switch services again? Gotta remember no matter the company you will most likely run into someone or have to talk someone who will be rude or not “helpful”. Some people just have bad days. Also some of these people probably are getting yelled at all day and just might give in at the end of the day and all of the sudden may not be that happy customer service rep

Some of this is incorrect information. With Vivint the start up cost, if you choose to do the flex plan is $50 pus taxes that is applied to the first months bill or you can purchase the equipment up front and that would result in no contract at all.
The flex plans start at $39.99 and would include any equipment that is not cameras.
If you have any cameras then the monthly monitoring is $49.99.
once the equipment is paid off, if you choose to do the flex plan, then it reverts back to the original monthly monitoring and is locked into that price.

In regards to "BEING LOCKED IN" this statement which I currently am questioning with Vivint, sort of brings into question as to what exactly is locked in. I think that they may be just covering their rears with this and I understand that they as well as others probably do pretty much the same, but question now is, if they do have an increase, I would think that it would be AFTER the term but this statement says at any time and then the very next sentence says after the term, so how can it be both ways. statement below:
2.2 INCREASE IN MONTHLY SERVICES FEE. YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT VIVINT SHALL HAVE THE RIGHT, AT ANY TIME, TO INCREASE THE MONTHLY SERVICES FEE TO REFLECT ANY TAXES, LICENSES, PERMITS, COSTS, FEES OR CHARGES WHICH MAY BE CHARGED TO VIVINT BY ANY UTILITY OR GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY RELATING TO THE INSTALLATION OF THE SYSTEM OR SERVICES, AND YOU AGREE TO PAY THE SAME. VIVINT SHALL HAVE THE RIGHT TO INCREASE THE MONTHLY SERVICE FEE AFTER THE INITIAL TERM OF THIS AGREEMENT SUBJECT TO YOUR RIGHT TO CANCEL ON THIRTY (30) DAYS WRITTEN NOTICE.

I've actually had issues deciding what service to go for until I read this, so thanks for that.
I was leaning towards Vivint because, well, no expense should be spared when it comes to home security but it seems like ADT will serve my needs better with their good online rep and availability for renting

I have read too many bad reviews of Vivint customer service to opt for the Security system over ADT. Cost aside, the numerous complaints about the customer service of Vivint leaves a lot to be desired. ADT, on the other hand, isn't spared of its fair share of bad reviews, but if told to make a choice, I would pick ADT any day.

It is basically impossible to please all customers on a particular service, irrespective of how hard one tries. Agreed, Five years is a long time to be stuck on any contract. But Vivint does offer Value for your money. Its system is High Tech and state of the art. Quite plainly, It's not all bad.

Vivint has 4.5 stars on the app store versus ADT pulses 3.2
If you want automation get it through the number one smarthome automation company in the nation.
Vivint build products for their system, while ADT makes their system compatible with other products. Which is the big reason Vivint has better ratings then ADT.
Both systems have partnerships with Amazon and Google nest

ADT is number one in the nation for home automation. Vivint uses 2gig while ADT uses Honeywell. ADT has patented equipment, and Vivint does not.

Nate

04/28/2017 at 02:29

What on earth are you talking about? Do your research.
*Vivint started the automation / smart home integration with security trend years before all the other "alarm companies".
*Vivint uses 2gig because THEY OWNED 2gig at one point, and then sold it. ADT had 450+ dealers that sell whatever equipment they get a good on (i.e. GE, Honeywell, DSC, TYCO, and yes, Honeywell is ONE of those.
*To address your final claim, Vivint is the ONLY alarm company that actually has their own innovation center where they design and develop their own PATENTED equipment. A quick google search of "vivint patents" or "Vivint innovation center" could have very easily resolved you losing all credibility with your false claims just now, Spencer.

Nate

04/28/2017 at 02:35

Spencer - inside of VIVINT's innovation center they display a FRACTION of their patents on the wall.

Yes. Using compatible existing equipment allows the homeowner more security, and lessen the price. Flexibility is want makes a security company. One thing not mentioned, ADT is not a "broker", selling contracts to monitoring centers. Vivint has NO LOCAL office, service department or sales reps. They are a group of college kids (most unlicensed) drop off in cities from Utah for 3-4 months going door-to door.

I have been with ADT for little over 8 years, and I'm quite satisfied with their exceptional service. I had an unsuccessful break-in in 2014,thanks to ADT alarm system. Their response was timely. They are always available to assist me with my security needs. I would recommend them to anyone who desires a security company with a proven track record.

Don't go with a company that has a bad online reputation. Vivint seems to have cleaned their act up over the past 5 years since the days of APEX alarm. Today the world runs on online reputations. So either of these companies are good pick over the ones that have only been around a few years and could go out of business tomorrow.

You are right. Online reputation based on customer reviews does matter a lot because only then can you actually ascertain how well a security system or service really is. ADT packs quite a punch on a shorter plan. It's my preferred choice.

I'm really shocked at all the people who like Vivint but I suppose I can understand the more 'lavish' lifestyle of security. I feel that ADT is the best. The cost are less and they are more reliable. I trust companies that have been around for awhile and have proved themselves. There's no need for higher cost from this company!

With vivint, after 8 seconds a voice will come through the panel, it can here everything that is going on in the home. It works a lot like On Star, and it can confirm an emergency at the emergency. A cop can now turn his lights on taking a minute to get to your home.

I have both and while there are subtle differences between the two companies, I.e.contract terms etc. Vivint wins my vote!
The purpose for MY system is security and the response time from authorities between the two is unmatched to-date.
I have had my alarm accidentally triggered at both residences...Vivint was calling to get a description of my vehicle to give authorities so they would know who was approaching. While, ADT, made several phone attempts to contact to"see" if it was an emergency. Time is critical

We recently switched from ADT to Vivint. From our experience, Vivint is less expensive than ADT. For additional $10/month, we got all features we had from ADT included, plus 3 video cameras and garage security alarm added. plus mobile features. We checked with ADT, to add just 1 camera would have been additional installation fees and double our monthly fee. Another problem with ADT was often it would say a door was open (even when closed) so the alarm system would not turn on. We had to wait 20 minutes to reset before alarm system would turn on. So we decided to switch to Vivint. With Vivint,, no such problem! Good customer service. Any problem and they reply immediately and if service is needed, Vivint sends servicenen within 24 hours.
One good thing with ADT though, if there's any motion detection or break in system, an agent contacts us via phone (landline or cell). With Vivint, they send a text notification. At home, Vivint agent contacts via its own Vivint monitor touchscreen panel. Both monitor 24/7 and alerts police/fire department if needed. Vivint has added feature for medical alerts now.

I don't like how Vivint increased their contract amount from 36 to 42 & 60 months. That makes me feel like I am signing my life away and if any financial problems happen in the next few years paying the $50-70 a month would be a burden and the only way out is paying more. For that reason I am choosing ADT as they seem more lenient on terms and conditions and shorter binding terms.

I was referred to ADT by a friend. I have APX/Vivint as of now but I am seriously thinking of switching to ADT. I was looking for that reassurance and other feedback from other customers. Ive had APEX which is now Vivint for 5 yrs and I only have the keypad. I need to switch from using my home phone line, today most people are cellular phone users. Thanks for the feedback I was looking for.

I have used both and right now I prefer ADT although Vivint is not far behind. This is just my personal opinion so take it with a grain of salt. While the starting costs are the same, ADT seems more reliable because of its BBB rating. I don’t understand why Vivint doesn’t have a better online reputation because when I worked with them they delivered on all their promises and I was happy with them. I’ve gone with ADT because of their lower plans, that’s all.

I just made the switch to Vivint and could not be happier. It is definitely the wave of the future! And everyone talking about the BBB makes me laugh. I am a business owner. You know the BBB is a private company, right? Not a Federal Bureau. Just because a company pays off the goons at the BBB does not mean they are a better company. If your serious about protecting your home with a quality security system than go with VIVINT!

I'd avoid Vivint like the plague. They're banned from selling in multiple states from shady sales practices. As for the chain link fence, it's possible if you tie an overhead door contact to a wireless transmitter and keep the wireless portion in a weatherproof enclosure, but it's going to look like cap and weather"proof" is more resistant than anything, it'll have to be replaced more often than you'll like.
You could look at getting WiFi cameras through a company that send you a video clip upon motion detection in that area, but be aware most of the time the max range is around 15 feet so try and figure if that's even possible from somewhere like the offsite on the house.

Nice comparison. Currently, have an ADT system installed at my home and am extremely satisfied with them. I have just got a dealership for opening a car showroom, and so would obviously like to have an advanced security system in place. Since, my experience with ADT has been good so far, I can easily go with them, but for a change and since I have heard good things about how advanced Vivint's equipment is, I would like to give them a try too.
Should I go with them guys?

I have had Vivint since my first home was built in 2010 in El Paso, and the only regret I have was when I had the system transferred and reinstalled in my home in Charlotte. It wasn't a Vivint thing as a whole. The technician was just sloppy with the installation and upon his return to do it right, he had an attitude. There was no third time for him, because I excused the first time and wrote it off. I called CS and they had someone out right away to undo what the first guy did, they held back one bill AND they gave me a few items to add on to my system for free. Vivint is all I've been exposed to because all the others charge a lot more for some of the things Vivint considers "inclusive".

That's a fight between glamor and class to me. Heard so many things about Vivint's best in class equipment and gadgets from my friends who just can't stop talking about awesome their hardware is. ADT, being the old guy kills with decent enough equipment, master-race customer service and being the most popular guy in the town. As, I'm on ADT right now, I will likely to stay with them because I believe in the quote, "If it ain't broke don't fix it." ADT for me is working like a champ. Nevertheless, solid comparison. It will be helpful if I want to make a switch to Vivint in future. Thanks!

I've had this Vivint system for about 18 months. It is very easy to install on your home. I've been very satisfied with the service, and with awesome technical support. I had one bad freeze sensor, but they sent a replacement right away. The alarm works well for me. The system works fine as it should be. Highly recommended!

I disagree with a few things, I am an ADT Authorized Dealer and have been for over 13 years. The idea that Vivint is for a wealthier person or small business is a little distorted. While it is true that Vivint charges more and has a longer contract, they do not have a higher quality product in my opinion. If they have a lower quality product why would a wealthier person want it if they can afford the best?
ADT Pulse can have up to 4 color touchscreen keypads. (the new TS Panel can have up to 8). ADT Pulse has outdoor cameras. Vivint has none. ADT has unlimited 30 second clips, Vivint has limited recording ability.
Also, most wealthy people have a custom built home with a wired system. Vivint only makes an all in one wireless system. They do not have an automation system for these wired homes with many doors and windows. (Hence ADT Pulse is better for anyone with a wired system)
Also, Vivint is not a good choice for small business. They do not have a small business division, They only have a residential sales force that spills into some small business. They do not know what is best for a business owner typically and rarely cant meet their needs. Especially if a wired panel, or a partionable panel is concerned.
In my opinion ADT is better for every category. Unless someone wants inferior equipment, inferior customer service, a longer contract, and a more expensive monthly fee.

Thanks for the clarification Jacob! Outdoor cameras are unique to ADT (a few other companies offer them too) and we suggest you check with your local city officials about terms of use with those. Some neighbors don't like them due to feeling 'spied on' or other shady tactics. Pulse is a great system and does compare or often beat Vivint but Vivint also is very innovative and continually bringing out new products and advanced (techy) features albeit a higher cost and longer contract.

Just wanted to add... Vivint does indeed have outdoor cameras now, a camera doorbell, garage door opener rolling out by summer of 2015. You should still check with your city before installing any outdoor cameras incase it is against their ordinances. In regards to monitoring, both companies are going to get you called and covered right away.

Just had Vivint's door bell camera installed. It's incredible. Also the way vivint responds to alarms is awesome! They are coming through my panel within 10 seconds to see what's going on. Vivint definitely the better company for me! I have no problem paying for QUALITY!

Vivint does have outdoor cameras, they also can add any automation to a wired or non-wired home. it makes absolutely no difference. The recording ability is not limited it will always record motion. If anyone wants efficient security they wouldn't want a wired system anyways because people can cut wires. And Vivint sets up plenty of small businesses. The also won the Silver Stevie award for best customer service...

Wish I owned a mansion or a big house one day so that I can try all the different services of Vivint. Until then, I'm content with ADT. They have got everything what I need- brilliant customer care, great equipment, decent packages and an excellent deterrence because of that sign, you know. And from what I see, Pulse really offers everything that Vivint does so what are you even missing out on besides a higher monthly cost?

A buddy of mine got a HUGE house custom build for him and his wife and they have so many of these services in it. it is insane. Anytime we go back to his house he has to take a few minutes to disarm everything. It is amazing though. I hope to get a system like his one day.

My company just switched from ADT to Vivint. Honestly I don't see any big difference except in our monthly bill. We got some of the newer cameras and features that they offer, I don't think we realized that we signed up for a 60 month contract but I'll be darned we sure did! ADT seems better bet for the average home and person.

Yes I do Gary! Vivint at both places is going to run you close to $120 a month or more depending on their services. They might wave 1 of the 2 activation's but cost wise is always going to be better with ADT. Also, with Pulse equipment you can set up the camera's and get a couple DVR's or store footage on the cloud memory so you always have a record of the past few days. And with business, you never know when things might take a dive and that is why I recommend doing ADT with a 36 term agreement over the 60 month term with Vivint. Last thing you need if your business tanks is a $75 a month reminder bill to stick it to ya!

Nate

04/28/2017 at 02:48

If your business tanks and goes bankrupt, i would guess the last thing you'll be worried about is a $70/month bill. Haha

I am afraid that ADT wins in this comparison for sure. There is plenty of experience, millions of customers that can talk good about them and a good BBB rating, which speaks volumes when you look at how long they have been in the business.

We have had ADT in three different houses in three different states - from back when we were poor college students living in a tiny house in a scary neighborhood where you HAD to have security, to our main house, to a cottage we own in a resort area that is only occupied a few months a year. Whether we were poor or (relatively) well off, we've always gotten great service from ADT. We looked at, and could have afforded, Vivint with the last installation - but the salesman applied so much pressure that I didn't want him, or his company, ever in my house again.

I’m also for ADT and not only because they have way more experience but because they have some of the best deals and I didn’t have a single problem since the system was installed. I live in a somewhat troubled neighborhood and half a month I’m away but I always know things are ok. Reliable system and helpful support, definitely worth the price.

This is a great comparison. I'll be honest, I wasn't aware of Vivint before reading this post. It definitely seems like both have their advantages and some disadvantages. Like you stated, if someone is interested in a more "high end" service, Vivint is likely to be the option for them. However, ADT has a large customer base, a BBB rating and a longstanding history.

Thanks Tanner. More and more people are hearing about them every year and while Monitronics used to be the biggest contender with ADT, Vivint is now the top dog with them. Vivint now does lots of TV and youtube promotions as well as their sales force each summer.

I've heard such good things on both, but I think that I would want to go with ADT because they have more customers and have been around far longer. I'm just not as familiar with Vivint as I am with ADT, even though I've heard the good things. There are far more blue signs in my neighborhood than their are orange signs. Thanks for the comparison.

I've been thinking about checking into one of these home security systems. I love that ADT has been around for quite a while, and Vivint has only been around since 1999 isn't really something I like, but I see it has more to offer so maybe it's the service I will be going with. I have no problem with the prices.

I feel like Vivint is trying to do too much. They just came out with their IPO for Vivint Solar program, they are sending sales reps door to door for wireless (internet) that is a bad product. I feel like they might get too far away from their home security roots whereas ADT is sticking primarily with home security and automation and not trying to be a 10 in 1 company.

Ya, I've heard Vivint's solar IPO has already tanked so hope you didn't invest in that! The conclusion I have come to is that Vivint is always going to be one step ahead of ADT when it comes to equipment. They will also be 1 step ahead in bullcrap contracts that auto renew and 1 step ahead in armed forces (their sales squad that flood the United States each year) and definitely 1 step ahead in pricing. Unless you are a rich man or a tech guru who wants it all, I would say stick with the basic and most known ADT but honestly Vivint has cleaned up their reputation and are much better than they were as APX 5+ years ago.

No matter who you choose make sure you stay current with your yard sign. I know customers with Vivint who still have the APX sign outside their home and I think they are crazy! Any smart burglar is going to think that your security system is down and outdated. The same thing goes with ADT, make sure you don't have an old sign without a number on it etc.

I’ve had ADT for 4mos. I’ve had no problems with the equipment. I had to call them back after the initial install to correctly label the sensors. The rep who came was very helpful and accommodating. My ADT system gives me piece of mine.
If my goes off, they are quickly responsive. Once it went off because I forgot it was on and walked out the door without turning it off. I left the door ajar while on the back of my house. The next thing I knew a cop was approaching me. He had received the alarm that the back door sensor was not cleared. The cop had checked my entire house inside before realizing I was on the back of the house. I felt the ADT system worked. My only concern is the cost of the equipment. But it is transferable if you move.

I like this compariaon on the two but have some points to add... I don't know how anyone could choose Vivint without one of their pushy sales reps in your house. Vivints history is horrible, they had to rebrand twice from APX and they have NO BBB rating. You pay about $20 more a month for worse monitoring compared to ADT. They do have better equipment but adt isn't far behind with their pulse setup. ADT's marketing is more traditional versus Vivints new "you have a dumb home" tactics. Not a coin flip in my mind unless both sides of the coin are blue.

I do and don't agree... I also have ADT and recommend them for anyone not looking for the super expensive systems. But Vivint isn't as bad as many of their reviewers make them out to be. I have some friends with it and I think their equipment and automation is pretty fancy! To me either of these companies are a win/win but I favor ADT cause that's what I use.

I like that Vivint includes medical with their emergency system, but their price and lack of a BBB rating are a little deterring to me. I also like the idea of having a shorter contract in case I'm unhappy with the service.

ADT has a National move-with-you (relocate) program for $99. Vivint offers a similar one but depending where you are in your contract may ask you to re-sign a new agreement. Both companies will have you leave the security system in place at your current home and they will reinstall a newer one at your new apartment/home. This serves them as the person who moves into the old location will typically sign up and have them monitor it. If moving under 1 year of getting a security system terms may be different and we advise you to call either company.

I am definitely a little concerned about Vivint only having one monitoring station. Stuff can go wrong all the time, just look at the weather in Arizona right now or Tornados in Midwest. That may be a finicky detail but it gives me peace of mind. Maybe if Vivint opens another station or two as a backup I'll reconsider them eventually.

Winner: FrontPoint

#3: Vivint

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